Texans-Steelers 2014: TV Channel, Start Time, Prediction, Point Spread

The Pittsburgh Steelers began Week 7 in last place, but they have an opportunity to climb out of the cellar on “Monday Night Football.” The Steelers will close out the week’s action when they host the Houston Texans at Heinz Field.

Pittsburgh is trying to bounce back from an embarrassing 21-point loss to the Cleveland Browns. A victory would put them above .500, and continue their trend of winning every other game. A high-scoring affair might bode well for the Steelers. In two of their wins, they scored at least 30 points, while the team failed to score more than 10 points in two of their losses.

Le’Veon Bell should be a major factor, considering he began the week as the league’s No.2 rusher. His top three rushing performances have all resulted in Pittsburgh victories. Bell is averaging just 68 yards on the ground in the team’s defeats.

Antonio Brown may be primed to have a big performance, as he’s been one of the league’s most consistent wide receivers in the last few seasons and is coming off one of his best games of the season. He hasn’t caught fewer than five passes for 84 yards in a game this year, and surpassed the 100-yard mark five times in 2013.

For Houston, Andre Johnson could be ready to have his first 100-yard game of the season. The wide receiver had a season-high seven catches for 99 yards and a score last week.

The injury report is highlighted by defensive players for both teams. Defensive tackle Steve McLendon and cornerback Ike Taylor will be out for Pittsburgh, while linebacker Jadeveon Clowney is unlikely to go for Houston. Clowney will test his knee before the contest, but NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports that it’s doubtful the rookie will be ready to take the field.

Road teams have played surprisingly well on Monday night in 2014, winning all but one contest since Week 2. Only two of the road teams that won were favored.

Start Time: 8:30 p.m. EST

TV Channel: ESPN

Live Online Stream Info: WatchESPN

Point Spread: Steelers by 3 points

Over/Under: 44.5 points

Prediction: Houston 20, Pittsburgh 17